Trump Fires Harper and Otsuka from NCUA Board Via Email, Leaving Hauptman as Sole Member

President Donald Trump has fired two Democratic members of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) board, Todd Harper and Tanya Otsuka, whose terms were set to expire in 2027. This action, executed via email, leaves Kyle Hauptman, a Republican, as the sole remaining board member.

The firings have raised concerns about the independence of regulatory agencies, with critics suggesting that the move is part of a broader pattern of undermining the rule of law and independent oversight. Both Harper and Otsuka have criticized the decision as politically motivated and detrimental to the NCUA's mission, with Otsuka stating it is an attempt to blatantly ignore Congress and democratic values.

The NCUA, tasked with regulating and insuring the nation's credit unions, plays a crucial role in protecting consumers and maintaining financial stability. Credit unions are vital to 140 million customers, including 500 minority depository institutions and over 70 million low-income working families. The removal of the Democratic board members has sparked fears among Democrats and consumer advocates about the potential for increased vulnerability to financial exploitation.